SPANISH
30 Jun Aging wines: evolution and improvement over time
A wine is considered to be aged when it has certain characteristics that allow it to improve over time by keeping it stored (subjecting it to aging) in optimal conditions. This maturation in the bottle increases its qualities and value. It is, so to speak, the continuation of aging in barrels, completing the evolution of the tannins, and acquiring new dimensions in terms of aromas, flavors, and color.
Not all wines are suitable for storage. Normally, those that best resist the years are wines with a structure and high tannic load and quality, balanced alcoholic strength, and sustained acidity. The most suitable wines for aging are those that have been aged in barrels and are generally wines that when freshly bottled tend to be a little harder and more powerful, which, over time, becomes elegance and a world of shades.
There is a belief that all red wines are suitable for aging and that all white vines are not, however, this cannot be applied as a rule. There are certain vines that have a greater aging capacity, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, and Syrah, in the case of the red varieties, and Chardonnay and Riesling in the white varieties. However, this does not mean that wines of other varieties cannot be stored, but rather that, possibly, the storage time should be shorter since it is recommended to consume them younger.
The ideal place to store wines is a place that has little light, such as a cellar or attic since wines tend to be damaged if they are exposed to constant light in their storage place. In addition, it is important that the temperature is stable and cool, ideally between 11 °C and 14°C and that there are no sudden temperature fluctuations.
As for ambient humidity, it should also be controlled as far as possible, since this keeps the cork in good condition and helps ensure that the aging period is optimal. Finally, the position of the bottle is also important when making a guard. For red wines, the bottle must be in a horizontal position, with the wine in constant contact with the cork, and for white or sparkling wines, the bottle can be in a vertical position.
In the case of Viña Morandé, some of the wines we recommend for aging are House of Morandé and Vigno. Both, thanks to their structure, acidity, and character, are wines that definitely gain over time, and can easily be stored for a period of at least 10 to 15 years. Personally, I have tried some of our first bottles of House of Morandé and what is found there is elegance, balance, and still a lot of live fruit, proof that this great wine ages in a frankly remarkable way.
